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About Amnesty

We are people from across the world standing up for humanity and human rights. Our purpose is to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. We investigate and expose abuses, educate and mobilize the public, and help transform societies to create a safer, more just world.
With more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in over 150 countries, and complete independence from government, corporate or national interests, we work to protect human rights worldwide. Our vision is of a world in which every person – regardless of race, religion, gender, or ethnicity – enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.

Founded in 1961, our organization has campaigned successfully in recent years for the International Criminal Court and a UN Torture Treaty. Through our research and action, governments have been persuaded to stop human rights violations and change their laws and practices. Death sentences have been commuted. Torturers have been brought to justice. And prisoners of conscience have been released. We ask you to join us – to take action and stop human rights abuses wherever they occur.

The Movement

Amnesty International has a varied network of members and supporters around the world. At the latest count, there were more than 2.2 million members, supporters and subscribers in over 150 countries and territories in every region of the world. Although they come from many different backgrounds and have widely different political and religious beliefs, they are united by a determination to work for a world where everyone enjoys human rights.

AI is a democratic, self-governing movement. Major policy decisions are taken by an International Council made up of representatives from all national sections.

AI’s national sections and local volunteer groups are primarily responsible for funding the movement. No funds are sought or accepted from governments for AI’s work investigating and campaigning against human rights violations.

Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) is one of many country sections that make up Amnesty International worldwide. AIUSA members elect an 18 member national board of directors to represent them. The board of directors employs AIUSA’s executive director, who manages the staff. The staff works to serve and supports the members.

Global Reach

All International sections participate in decision-making by sending representatives to the International Council Meeting. The International Council is a gathering of representatives of all sections, which meets every two years.

The International Executive Committee carries out the decisions of the International Council and takes overall responsibility for the conduct of AI’s affairs.

The International Executive Committee appoints the Secretary General, who is responsible for the day-to-day conduct of the international affairs of the movement and heads the International Secretariat.

The International Secretariat provides professional expertise and support to the movement. It guides the organization’s day-to-day work but is not authorized to make fundamental policy decisions.